2011 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE engine

Features and controls
3-85
3 Active stability control (ASC)
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The active stability control (ASC) takes overall control of the
anti-lock braking system, traction control function and skid
control function to help maintain the vehicle’s control and trac-
tion. Also refer to the following pages on the anti-lock braking
system, traction control function and skid control function.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) → P.3-82
Traction control function → P. 3 - 8 5
Skid control function → P. 3 - 8 6
NOTE
A whining sound may be heard from the engine compart-
ment in the following situations. The sound is associated
with the ASC self-check operations. It does not indicate a
malfunction.
• When the ignition key is set to the “ON” position.
• When the vehicle is driven for a while after the engine is
turned on.

When the ASC is activated, you may feel a vibration in
the vehicle body or hear a whining sound from the engine
compartment.
This indicates that the system is operating normally. It
does not indicate a malfunction.

When the anti-lock braking system warning light is illu-
minated, the ASC is not active.Traction control function
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On slippery surfaces, the traction control function prevents the
drive wheels from spinning excessively, thus helping the vehi-
cle to start moving from a stopped condition. It also provides
sufficient driving force and steering performance as the vehicle
turns while pressing the acceleration pedal.
CAUTION
!
Do not over-rely on the ASC. Even the ASC cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on
the vehicle. This system, like any other system, has
limits and cannot help you to maintain traction and
control of the vehicle in all circumstances. Reckless
driving can lead to accidents. It is the driver’s
responsibility to drive carefully. This means taking
into account the traffic, road and environmental
conditions.
Be sure to use the same specified type and size of tire
on all four wheels. Otherwise, the ASC may not
work properly.
Do not install any aftermarket limited slip differen-
tial (LSD) on your vehicle. The ASC may stop func-
tioning properly.
CAUTION
!
When driving a vehicle on a snowy or icy road, be
sure to install snow tires and drive the vehicle at
moderate speeds.
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3-86 Features and controls
3
Skid control function
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The skid control function is designed to help the driver main-
tain control of the vehicle on slippery roads or during rapid
steering maneuvers. It works by controlling the engine output
and the brake on each wheel.NOTE
The skid control function operates at speeds of about 9
mph (15 km/h) or higher.
ASC OFF switch
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The ASC is automatically activated when the ignition key is
turned to the “ON” position. You can deactivate the system by
pressing down the ASC OFF switch for 3 seconds or longer.
When the ASC is deactivated, the indicator will be illumi-
nated. To reactivate the ASC, momentarily press the ASC OFF
switch; the indicator is turned off. Except for vehicles with headlight leveling
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Features and controls
3-87
3
NOTE
Using the ASC OFF switch turns off both the skid control
function and the traction control function.

When moving out of mud, sand or fresh snow, pressing
the accelerator pedal may not allow the engine speed to
increase. In such situations, temporarily deactivate the
ASC, using the ASC OFF switch.

If you continue to press the ASC OFF switch after the
ASC is turned off, the “mistaken operation protection
function” will activate and the ASC will turn back on.
After the “mistaken operation protection function” is acti-
vated, it will not be possible to turn the ASC off.
To turn the system off again, return the ignition key to the
“ACC” or “LOCK” position, restart the engine and press
the ASC OFF switch.
CAUTION
!
For safety reasons, the ASC OFF switch should be
operated when your vehicle is stopped.
Be sure to keep the ASC on while driving in normal
circumstances.Vehicles with headlight leveling
Ty p e 2 Ty p e 1
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3-88 Features and controls
3
ASC indicator, ASC OFF indicator
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The indicators should illuminate when the ignition key is
turned to the “ON” position, and should turn off after a few
seconds.
If the indicator stays on or does not illuminate when the igni-
tion key is turned to the “ON” position, have the vehicle
inspected by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair
facility of your choice as soon as possible.
indicator blinks when the ASC is operating.
indicator is illuminated when the ASC is deactivated.
NOTE
When a spare tire has been put on your vehicle, the grip-
ping ability of the tire will be lower, making it more likely
that the indicator will blink.
CAUTION
!
When indicator blinks, the ASC is operating,
which means that the road is slippery or that your
vehicle’s wheels are beginning to slip. If this hap-
pens, drive slower.
CAUTION
!
If an abnormal condition occurs in the system while
driving, the and indicators will illuminate at
the same time, or the indicator will blink.
In these cases, follow these procedures:
[If the and indicators continuously illuminate]• Park your vehicle in a safe place and stop the
engine. Restart the engine again and check
whether the and indicators go out. If these
indicators go out, there is no abnormal condition.
If the and indicators remain on even after
your vehicle is driven a short distance after re-
starting the engine, have the vehicle inspected by
an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a
repair facility of your choice as soon as possible.
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3-90 Features and controls
3Power steering system
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The power steering system has mechanical steering capability
in case the power assist is lost. If the hydraulic pressure is
interrupted for some reason (such as engine stalling), you will
still be able to steer your vehicle.
If the power assist is lost, you will notice it takes much more
effort to steer and that there is much more “free play” in the
steering wheel. If this happens, take your vehicle to an autho-
rized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice.
Cruise control
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Cruise control is an automatic speed control system. It lets you
keep the same driving speed. Cruise control can be used at
speeds of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more. It is especially use-
ful for freeway driving. Cruise control does not work at speeds
below about 25 mph (40 km/h).
WA R N I N G
!
Never turn off the engine while the vehicle is mov-
ing, or your ability to steer the vehicle may be seri-
ously reduced.
CAUTION
!
Do not leave the steering wheel turned all the way in
one direction. This can cause damage to the power
steering system.
A- Main switch
B- Cruise control lever
CAUTION
!
For safety reasons, deactivate cruise control system
using the main switch (A) when you are not using
the cruise control system.
(Refer to “To deactivate” on page 3-95.)
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Features and controls
3-91
3
NOTE
Cruise control may not be able to keep your speed on
uphills or downhills.

Your speed may drop on a steep uphill. You may have to
use the accelerator pedal if you want to stay at your set
speed.

Your speed may increase to more than the set speed on a
steep downhill. You must use the brake to control your
speed. If your speed increases too much, turn off the
cruise control. (Refer to “To deactivate” on page 3-95.)
Cruise control indicator
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This indicator comes on when cruise control is activated by
operation of the cruise control main switch.

Cruise control is not recommended when driving
conditions will not allow you to stay at the same
speed, such as in heavy traffic or on roads that are
winding, icy, snow-covered, wet, or slippery, or on a
steep downhill.
For vehicles with manual transaxle, if you shift to
“N” (Neutral) in cruise control mode without press-
ing the clutch first, the engine will run too fast and
might be damaged.
CAUTION
!
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3-92 Features and controls
3
To activate
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1. Momentarily push in the main switch (A) at the end of the
cruise control lever.2. Pull the lever (B) down while driving at the desired speed.
NOTE
If the main switch is on when the ignition key is turned
off, cruise control will be on automatically the next time
you start the engine. The “CRUISE” indicator will also be
on. You will need to reset the speed however, if you want
to use cruise control.

If the battery voltage is insufficient, the memory data for
the main switch will be erased.
As a result, the “CRUISE” indicator may not come on
when you restart the engine.
If this happens, push in the main switch once again to acti-
vate the system.
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3-96 Features and controls
3

When your speed slows to about 25 mph (40 km/h) or
less.

When the active stability control starts operating.
Refer to “Active stability control (ASC)” on page 3-85.
To resume the set speed
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If the speed memory has not been erased, resume the previ-
ously set speed by pulling the cruise control lever up while
driving at a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or higher.
Under either of the following conditions, however, using the
switch does not allow you to resume the previously set speed.
In these situations, repeat the speed setting procedure:

The ignition key is turned OFF.

The main switch is turned OFF.
WA R N I N G
!
For vehicles with automatic transaxle, although the
cruise control can be turned off by moving the selec-
tor lever to the “N” (NEUTRAL) position, never
move the selector lever to the “N” (NEUTRAL)
position while driving.
You would have no engine braking and could cause
a serious accident.
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